Last Updated on February 15, 2024
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to swim with an alligator?
The American Alligator
Alligators are some of the largest reptiles in the world. They are apex predators. Adult male American alligators average 10 to 15 feet in length and can weigh up to 1,200 pounds.
Their natural habitats include wetland ecosystems from Texas to North Carolina. They are the official state reptile of Florida.
Due to their predatory nature and diet that includes fish, birds, mammals, and other reptiles, being in the close presence of a gator is highly discouraged. Exceptions to this include enclosed and supervised attractions, like alligator parks.
Everglades Outpost Wildlife Rescue
Similar to an alligator park, Everglades Outpost Wildlife Rescue is a non-profit organization and rehabilitation facility. The rescue is located in Homestead, Florida.
The organization was created in 1991. Its main objective is taking in and rehabilitating injured wildlife to be released back into the wild.
In addition, rescue offers the unique experience of swimming with an alligator with its Underwater Gator Tour.
In any other circumstance, swimming with alligators would be incredibly discouraged. These large creatures are incredibly strong and can move and lunge very quickly when hunting prey.
Because of the dangers typically associated with gator interactions, many people have a fascination with the Everglades Outpost’s Underwater Gator Tour.
Swim with Casper
The Underwater Gator Tour is a 30-minute experience. During the experience, guests will enter a 30,000-gallon aquatic habitat.
There is a protective net barrier separating them from Casper the alligator.
Casper is a 10-foot-long, 250-pound friendly gator. He has been trained by a professional wrangler who also runs the experience, Chris Gillette.
In addition to the protective netting, Gillette is also in the habitat (known as the gator pit) in case anything goes wrong.
Rest assured, in the 5+ years he has been running this tour, everything has gone smoothly.
All in all, at $250, guests visiting Everglades Outpost can experience this unique encounter. It is a thrilling experience where they can swim in the gator pit and get near an alligator.
For more information, check out the Everglades Outpost website.
What should you do if you see an alligator in the wild?
Florida alligators can be found in most bodies of water within the state. Knowing what to do if you encounter one can be important for your safety.
- Do not feed alligators. – Feeding alligators teaches them that humans are a potential food source. When you see alligators it is important to not feed them.
- Keep a safe distance. – Alligators will generally ignore you. However, it is important to keep a safe distance and let them go on their way if you see them on walking trails.
- Report nuisance alligators. – A nuisance alligator is one that is behaving in a way that can be unsafe to those around it. Call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286 if you encounter a nuisance alligator.
- Swim in designated areas. – Florida Fish and Wildlife monitors bodies of water in Florida. One of the best ways to stay safe is to only swim in designated areas.
If you enjoyed this article about swimming with alligators and are looking for a few other recommendations, check out these suggestions:
- 6 Best Places to Swim with Dolphins in the Florida Keys
- 8 Florida Alligator Parks You Won’t Want to Miss
- 7 Unique Animal Encounters in Florida
- 8 Unique Yoga Classes In Florida to Check Out
Did you know AuthenticFlorida.com was listed as one of the Top 15 Florida Blogs, News Websites & Influencers according to Feedspot?